28: How do you use a mask correctly?
Q：How do you use a mask correctly?
💁Tracy: Proper use of disposable medical masks/ medical surgical masks
Schematic diagram of wearing process ([2]):
Please pay attention to distinguish between the top, bottom, inside and outside when wearing. Please note: the metal flexible strip is on the top, which is used to fix the mask on the bridge of the nose and close to the face. Looking at the inside and outside from the folds of the mask, the folds are outside and the folds are inside.
The standard surgical mask is divided into 3 layers; the outer layer has a water blocking layer to prevent droplets from entering the mask; the middle layer has a filter layer; and the inner layer near the mouth and nose is used for moisture absorption.
Q：What should I do with a used mask?
💁Tracy：The used mask is covered with microorganisms such as saliva and pathogenic bacteria. Be sure to handle the used mask carefully.
💁Tracy: Proper use of disposable medical masks/ medical surgical masks
- Wash and disinfect your hands before wearing a mask
- Nose clips face up, darker outside clips face outward (they fold down)
- Pull up and down the folds to cover the mouth, nose and jaw
- Put your fingertips along the metal strip of the bridge of the nose, from the middle to the sides
- Slowly press inwards until it is close to the bridge of the nose
- Properly adjust the mask to make the mask fit the face
- If worn correctly, the N95 or equivalent mask will collapse and bulge obviously without air leakage when inhaling and exhaling
- If the mask is obviously wet or dirty, or the breathing resistance has noticeably increased, please do not continue to use it.
Schematic diagram of wearing process ([2]):
Please pay attention to distinguish between the top, bottom, inside and outside when wearing. Please note: the metal flexible strip is on the top, which is used to fix the mask on the bridge of the nose and close to the face. Looking at the inside and outside from the folds of the mask, the folds are outside and the folds are inside.
The standard surgical mask is divided into 3 layers; the outer layer has a water blocking layer to prevent droplets from entering the mask; the middle layer has a filter layer; and the inner layer near the mouth and nose is used for moisture absorption.
- Outer layer: fluid repellent
- Middle layer: germ barrier
- Inner layer: moisture absorption
Q：What should I do with a used mask?
💁Tracy：The used mask is covered with microorganisms such as saliva and pathogenic bacteria. Be sure to handle the used mask carefully.
- Do not touch the masks used by others, otherwise it may cause cross infection.
- When removing the mask, please: bend slightly, lower your head slightly, close your eyes, and remove the strap (non-ear-hanging type, first remove the lower strap, hands over the head from behind, try to push down the strap as much as possible; then remove the upper strap), try not to touch the inner and outer surfaces of the mask.
- If you come into contact with people, please take the mask off and do not put them in bags, pockets, etc., there may be a continuous risk of contamination. Rather, prepare a plastic bag specifically for discarded masks. Please tighten the bag when discarding.
- For masks used by infected people and those who have close contact with them, spray bleach or alcohol disinfectant on the mask, put it in a plastic bag, and tie the bag before throw to the trash can. If there is no disinfectant, you can also use a sealed bag/fresh-keeping bag, seal the mask and throw it into the trash.
- To prevent others from accidental picking up used masks and get infected, you can sprinkle heavy colored liquids, such as soy sauce, ketchup etc. in the plastic bags containing the discarded masks to stain the masks. Do not cut the mask, as this will easily spread the contaminants (on the scissors, hands, or in the air). Wash your hands immediately after handling the mask or wash your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Disposable medical masks and surgical masks should not worn exceeding 4 hours, and the protection effect will decline after that time. Replace the medical masks afterwards. Disposable medical masks or surgical masks are generally not recommended for secondary use. One way to extend the wearing of the mask is to put a tissue or soft kitchen paper towel inside the mask (the side facing your nose and mouth), and change this layer every 4 hours. This way, the inner side of the mask remains intact and the additional layer also adds to the filtration function. If the mask is in short supply, please refer to the separate article of “Response Strategies When Protective Materials Are in Shortage" section (coming soon).
References
[1] WHO: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: When and how to use masks.
Writing: Yuehan Wu, Jingyi Xi; Translation: Vivian Fei; Proofreading: Xiao Luo, Suzhen Jiang, Helen Shih; Artwork: Henry Yuanheng Hu
Disclaimer and Copyright © 2020 United Chinese Americans
